In celebration of International Youth Day, we are spotlighting Aiyana Twigg, a recent graduate from FPCC’s Mentor-Apprentice Program.
International Youth Day
Aiyana Twigg is a recent graduate from FPCC’s Mentor-Apprentice Program. She is a proud Ktunaxa citizen and registered member of the Blood Tribe (Kainai), located in Treaty 7 territory.
Aiyana was raised on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Ktunaxa, in yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʔit. As an Indigenous youth activist, she works to advance Indigenous rights, address critical issues and advocate for First Nations languages.
Q. You recently graduated from FPCC’s Mentor-Apprentice Program (MAP), completing 900 hours of immersive Ktunaxa language learning. How did this journey begin for you?
A. My journey in the Mentor-Apprentice Program began shortly after I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree at UBC in 2022. I had been reconnecting with my language, Ktunaxa, since 2018. What began as a process of reclamation grew into self-reflection, love and healing from identity struggles and challenges with mental health.
While away at university, I started out as a self-taught learner, relying on online and print resources. This helped me develop strong reading and writing skills, but I recognized that my greatest gap was in listening and speaking: the skills most vital to true language fluency.
It was during this time that my professor, Dr. Suzanne Gessner, told me about the Mentor-Apprentice Program and encouraged me to apply. I reached out to my mentor, Mary Mahseelah, who generously agreed to support me, and not long after, I was accepted into the program. Since then, my language journey has grown in powerful and transformative ways.
Q. What was your preferred language learning style and why?
A. My language learning style developed over time as I became more comfortable in the program. At first, I benefited from using verb and noun cards, which provided structure and helped me establish a strong vocabulary base.
As these became familiar, my mentor and I transitioned into practicing full sentences and incorporating movement-based activities. This shift allowed me to engage with the language in more contextual and meaningful ways, supporting both comprehension and retention.
A strategy we used regularly was playing games entirely in Ktunaxa. This method was particularly effective because it combined repetition with enjoyment, fostering a low-stress and interactive environment. By integrating play into learning, I found it easier to internalize vocabulary and sentence structures, while also building confidence in speaking and listening.
Q. What was it like working with your mentor Mary Mahseelah? What was your biggest success while working together?
A. Working with Mary was a joy, though at first a little nerve-racking since stepping into a mentor-apprentice role felt new for both of us. Over time, our sessions grew into a fun, safe and meaningful experience.
Our biggest success was transcribing and translating a 30-minute Ktunaxa audio recording from the 1960s–70s. Each of us understood different parts and together we were able to piece it all together. Mary reclaimed forgotten vocabulary through this process and I realized how much progress I had made in being able to hear, write and understand older generational speakers.
Equally important was the relationship we built. Mary shared that the program encouraged her to use Ktunaxa more often with her family, showing that we were both able to support each other’s language journeys.
Q. Do you have any advice for language learners considering the Mentor-Apprentice Program?
A. Don’t be afraid to start. No matter your language level, anything you learn is valuable. Our languages are living beings. They hold memories. They carry the sound of our ancestors’ voices, the songs of the land and waters, the teachings of our people and the heartbeat of our cultures.
They are not just tools for communication – they are connections to who we are, where we come from and how we know the world. You are the living voice of your ancestors and all living things. We must begin this work now, while our mentors are still here to guide us.
Most importantly, maʔȼ ʔat pasin – don’t give up! Progress can feel slow or overwhelming, but lean on your support system and return to your why. Whether it’s for your children, future generations, healing, or the joy of a few sentences, that purpose will carry you through.
Our languages are powerful and deeply healing. Trust the process, be patient, and remember: every step forward, no matter how small, matters.
Q. What’s your next chapter look like and where can our audience support the fantastic work you are doing?
A. My language journey does not end here. After graduating from MAP in April 2025, my mentor said, “I am sad the program is over, I really enjoyed it.” My panel members shared the same feeling, encouraging us to keep meeting to continue my progress.
Fortunately, my mentor and I will carry on together through the MAP Connections Program for the next three years and I know that my language learning will remain a lifelong commitment shared with my mentors, my family and my community.
In terms of education, I am currently completing my Master of Education in Indigenous Language Revitalization at the University of Victoria, with a focus on the Ktunaxa sound system. I plan to graduate in June 2026 and hope to continue my studies in a PhD program. If you’d like to support or follow along, you can find me on social media at @KtunaxaPride, where I share my love for the language and create educational content. You may also see me at language gatherings, workshops and other spaces where Indigenous languages are being celebrated and revitalized.
Are you interested in FPCC’s Mentor-Apprentice Program?
FPCC is accepting applications until October 1, 2025. Visit fpcc.ca/map for more information about the program.
Learn more:
- View language resources here.
- View the MAP toolkit here.
- Read more stories about FPCC Language projects here.
Share your story!
Do you have a story about yourself or your community’s work to revitalize First Nations languages, cultures, heritage and Indigenous arts in B.C.? We want to hear from you! Please send your story to info@fpcc.ca and check back as we post more stories about the good work being done across the province.
Connect with us
To receive FPCC news and funding announcements, please sign up for our email list here.
To view all current FPCC funding opportunities please visit our Grants page.
Follow FPCC on social media for updates: Facebook | YouTube